YourBump.com

Bringing you Mommy friendly content about your baby bump

Hide Advertisement
  • Lifestyle
    • Baby Deco
    • Product Reviews
    • Prom
    • Wedding
  • Parents
    • New Parents
    • Mom
    • Dad
  • Pregnancy
    • Birth
  • Kids
    • Cute Babies
  • Trending
    • Celebrities
    • Royals
Site logo
ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

Cut the Cord: Why Delayed Cord Clamping May Save Your Baby’s Life

By Sierra McCleary-Harris 2 min read
Advertisement - Continue reading below

Before “Cut the cord” meant canceling your cable subscription and embracing streaming services, the saying referred to a different type of cord — the umbilical cord. For many, cutting the umbilical cord is a treasured part of the birthing experience, often serving as a way to involve the father or partner.

delayed cord clamping
Source: Getty Images

Typically the cord is clamped and cut right away, but new research suggests that perhaps a bit of waiting is in order.

Advertisement

According to two studies set for publication in the American Journal of Obstetrics and Gynecology, preterm babies could be saved by waiting 60 seconds before clamping the umbilical cord after birth, versus clamping it immediately. The study “found clear evidence that delayed clamping reduced hospital mortality by a third, and is safe for mothers and pre-term infants,” according to a release on EurekAlert!

The World Health Organization estimates that 15 million babies are born preterm every year; that’s more than 1-in-10 babies. And more than 1 million of those infants die due to complications related to their preterm birth. In fact, preterm birth was the No. 2 cause of infant mortality in the United States, according to the National Institutes of Health.

University of Sydney Associate Professor David Osborn, lead author of the study, said:

We estimate that for every thousand very preterm babies born more than ten weeks early, delayed clamping will save up to 100 additional lives compared with immediate clamping. This means that, worldwide, using delayed clamping instead of immediate clamping can be expected to save between 11,000 and 100,000 additional lives every year.

Specifically, delayed cord clamping is associated with improved transitional circulation, better red blood cell volume, decreased need for blood transfusions, and more.

It’s not just preterm babies who could benefit, though.

A group opinion from the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ Committee on Obstetric Practice revealed that delayed cord clamping is beneficial for term babies, too.

According to the committee, “[D]elayed clamping in term babies increases hemoglobin levels at birth, and improves iron stores in the first several months of life, which may have a favorable effect on developmental outcomes.”

However, there is a caveat: There may be an increase in jaundice requiring phototherapy treatment.

Just as with any other medical procedure, you have to personally weigh the pros and cons. While the evidence may seem pretty clear, it’s always best to discuss your options with your doctor.

Have you heard about delayed cord clamping before? Don’t forget to SHARE this article with other moms to be.

(H/T Pop Sugar)
Advertisement - Continue reading below

Top Picks: Best Places to Travel With Kids in 2020
Cute Babies
YB Staff 4 min read

Top Picks: Best Places to Travel With Kids in 2020

Toy Experts Reveal 2018’s Hottest Holiday Toddler Toys
Baby Deco
Robin Milling 6 min read

Toy Experts Reveal 2018’s Hottest Holiday Toddler Toys

Tips on Adopting a Rescue Dog
Animals
Brian Delpozo 3 min read

Tips on Adopting a Rescue Dog

Watch This Baby’s Adorable Reaction to Her First Ice Cream
Kids
Margo Gothelf 1 min read

Watch This Baby’s Adorable Reaction to Her First Ice Cream

This Teacher May Have Finally Found a Way to Make Sure Young Kids Wash Their Hands
Kids
Brian Delpozo 2 min read

This Teacher May Have Finally Found a Way to Make Sure Young Kids Wash Their Hands

Study: 80% of Baby Formulas, Foods Test Positive for Arsenic, Lead, and Other Chemicals
Baby Deco
Jason Owen 2 min read

Study: 80% of Baby Formulas, Foods Test Positive for Arsenic, Lead, and Other Chemicals

Good Decision-Making Habits You Can Cultivate
Lifestyle
tash 2 min read

Good Decision-Making Habits You Can Cultivate

Royal Files: Prince Harry of Wales
Lifestyle
Nina Truong 1 min read

Royal Files: Prince Harry of Wales

How To Discipline Tweens Efficiently
Dad
tash 2 min read

How To Discipline Tweens Efficiently

Timing of Kate Middleton’s Pregnancy Has Everybody on Twitter Making the Same Joke
Birth
Jason Owen 2 min read

Timing of Kate Middleton’s Pregnancy Has Everybody on Twitter Making the Same Joke

sidebar

ADVERTISEMENT
ADVERTISEMENT

sidebar-alt

  • About
  • Contact Us
  • Privacy Policy
  • Terms of Service
  • For Advertisers